Deputy Chief Constable Will Kerr said: “Police Scotland is committed to the continued development of a flexible and agile workforce that’s capable of responding to the evolving criminal threats to our communities.

“Having a core number of police officers will remain at the heart of policing in Scotland to ensure that we can protect people with different needs in every part of the country.

“Our technology strategy, approved by the Scottish Police Authority last month, is a key part of our transformation programme.

“Investment in IT will allow our officers to spend more time in the communities they serve, working on crime prevention and community-based policing to keep people safe, whether in the public, private or virtual space.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Police officer numbers in Scotland remain significantly above the level in 2007, with an increase of 913 since March 2007 - this contrasts with a reduction of almost 20,000 officers in England and Wales.

“Scotland’s single police service means communities across the country now benefit from specialist national and regional expertise.

“This includes police officers and civilian specialists in various divisions who are deployed across Scotland when local needs arise.

“While staffing is a matter for the chief constable, HMICS and the Scottish Police Authority undertake regular assurance activity to ensure that the force continues to provide an excellent front line service across Scotland as it implements the Policing 2026 strategy.”

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